ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – The UCF football team has been practicing for nearly a month and the start of the second season under head coach Scott Frost is just six days away. On Friday, Frost released the first official depth chart of the season.
Of note on the depth chart:
- There are 15 upperclassmen listed on the defensive two-deep, including five of six on the defensive line.
- The Knights list 15 total freshmen on the depth chart, including 10 true freshmen.
- Seven of 10 true freshmen are on the offense and four are wide receivers.
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DEFENSE
Reigning American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year Shaquem Griffin leads a veteran group at linebacker heading into 2017.
- Griffin is joined by junior Titus Davis at outside linebacker, while redshirt senior Chequan Burkett and junior Pat Jasinski are atop the depth chart at inside linebacker.
- Burkett and Jasinski have 19 career starts between them.
- The defensive line has even more experience and more depth, as five of the six Knights on the depth charter are upperclassmen.
- Seniors Jamiyus Pittman and Tony Guerad are listed at the top at end, while sophomore Trysten Hill moves to noseguard.
- While questions surrounding who would emerge on the defensive back depth chart surrounded camp, the coaching staff has been pleased with the play in practice thus far.
- On the outside it's currently a senior and a freshman on the first line, as redshirt senior Chris Johnson and redshirt freshman Brandon Moore are listed as the first string cornerbacks.
- Redshirt juniors Tre Neal and Kyle Gibson both come in atop the depth chart at safety
OFFENSE
After setting a UCF freshman record for completions in 2016, McKenzie Milton returns to lead a young group of quarterbacks.
- Freshmen Noah Vedral and Darriel Mack, Jr. are both listed as the backup.
- A pair of sophomores are on the depth chart at running back with last year's leading rusher Jawon Hamilton and big play threat Adrian Killins, Jr.
- Junior Taj McGowan is also in the mix after rushing for 4.5 yards per rush last season
- At tight end it is a trio of seniors on the depth chart as Jordan Akins, Jordan Franks and Michael Colubiale lead the way.
- Tre'Quan Smith UCF with 853 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 2016 and is back to lead a young group of wide receivers for the Knights in 2017.
- Four true freshmen join Smith, junior Cam Stewart and sophomore Dredrick Snelson as the seven receivers listed on the depth chart
- Freshmen Gabriel Davis, Emmanuel Logan-Greene, Marlon Williams and Otis Anderson will all look to see time on the field in their first season in Black and Gold.
- Veteran starters at tackle Aaron Evans and Wyatt Miller will look to lead the offensive line again this season.
- Upperclassmen Tyler Hudanick and Chavis Dickey are also atop the depth chart at guard, while sophomore Jordan Johnson moves to center for 2017.
SPECIAL TEAMS
- Following one of the best kicking seasons in UCF history, junior Matthew Wright returns to field goal and extra point duty, while adding kickoff responsibilities in 2017.
- After playing behind Caleb Houston for two years, junior Mac Loudermilk takes over as punter and holder for the Knights.
- Adrian Killins, who returned one kick for a touchdown as a freshman, will be joined by fellow speedster Otis Anderson as kick returner in 2017.
- Chris Johnson is back to handle punt return duty, while Tre'Quan Smith is listed as the backup.
RISE AND CONQUER
The second season of UCF Football under head coach Scott Frost is just around the corner. Fans can explore all of the new ticket options at Spectrum Stadium by visiting WeRiseandConquer.com or calling (407) 823-1000.
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